Cornish College of the Arts
Test-OptionalFaith-Based
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
12-24 Students
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
TRAINING
•Technique-focused training in acting, singing, dancing, musicianship, and choreography for musical theater
•Average class size of 15 students with personalized faculty mentorship
•Faculty of experienced musical theater professionals
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Main stage musical productions, original works, and collaborative directing/producing projects
•Capstone project in final year
•Campus in the heart of Seattle's professional theatre scene
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internship opportunities with Seattle theatres including ACT Theater and The 5th Avenue Theatre
•Career management and audition technique training
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Sara Porkalob (Broadway actor and theatre educator)
•Don Darryl Rivera (Broadway — Aladdin; Only Murders in the Building)
•Ramiz Monsef (Broadway actor, playwright, and producer)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$60Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
National Unified Auditions (New York City)Jan 24, 2026
On-Campus AuditionJan 31, 2026
National Unified Auditions (Chicago)Feb 5, 2026
National Unified Auditions (Los Angeles, Day 1)Feb 7, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option A:
-One song written BEFORE 1970
-One song written AFTER 1970
-Contrasting styles
-60-90 seconds each
Monologues
•MTCP Monologue Option A:
-One monologue from a published play or professional writer
-60-90 seconds
Dance
•MTCP Dance Option A:
-Dance/movement video required
-Must include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick
-Or suitable rotation, elevation, and extension
-60-90 seconds
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option B:
-Ballet video optional
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
Upload a video showcasing additional skills and interests not part of the standard audition (e.g., directing excerpts, original writing, spoken word, devised solo performance, instruments, tap, tumbling, flexibility)
Submission Specifications
SHOT SETUP
•Monologue introduction: full-body shot
•Monologues: filmed however works best; if one is close-up, film the second in 3/4 to full-body
•Songs: 3/4 shot (top of head to knees visible)
•Dance: full-body shot — entire body in frame at all times
SPACE & LIGHTING
•Neutral open space with bare walls (cover with fabric if needed)
•Good acoustics with no strong echo
•Sufficient lighting — face and body fully visible
WARDROBE
•No costumes or character makeup
•Dress in an elevated version of your personal style
EFFECTS
•No background sound effects or virtual backgrounds
Additional Materials
ARTIST STATEMENT (required)
•Submit via Redhawk Admissions Portal
ARTS RECOMMENDATION (required)
•One recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your artistic or performing talents
-Separate from the general teacher and counselor recommendations required by Seattle University
Good to Know
AUDITION SUBMISSION
•All recorded materials uploaded to Redhawk Admissions Portal "Portfolio" section
•Portal credentials sent within a few days of Common App submission
•Submit Portfolio Certification Form when materials are complete — portfolio will not be reviewed without it
MTCP
•Program participates in Musical Theater Common Prescreen
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•Program participates in National Unified Auditions (NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles)
ENROLLMENT
•Fall and January start dates available
What's The Process
AUDITION OPTIONS
•Live in-person on campus or at National Unified Auditions
•Live virtual via Zoom
•Recorded audition uploaded to Redhawk Admissions Portal
RECORDED AUDITION FORMAT
•Introduce yourself, then perform monologue, two songs, and dance
•Answer three required interview questions on video
LIVE AUDITION FORMAT
•Perform monologue and two songs
•Attend a dance call (in-person) or submit recorded dance
•Short interview with faculty about career goals and educational priorities
TIMELINES
•Early Action: submit recorded audition before November 20
•Regular Decision: applications due January 15
•After January 15: rolling admission pending space availability
CONTACT
•Albert Rubio (for questions about audition filming)
Scholarship Info
CORNISH SCHOLARSHIPS
•Admitted students are automatically considered — no separate application required
•Both merit-based and need-based aid available
•Cornish awards over $3.5 million in scholarships annually
•98% of admitted students receive funding assistance
•Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
70%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
480
Enrollment
$33,696
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$39,913
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$39,060
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$28,155
Family Income $30k - $48k$30,948
Family Income $48k - $75k$36,693
Family Income $75k - $110k$40,853
Family Income $110k+$44,405
